Pope puts a sock in vuvuzelas

2010-08-24 16:03

London - The pope has banned his followers from bringing vuvuzelas to his public appearances in the UK in September, the Daily Telegraph reported on Monday.

The controversial horns made famous by fans at the World Cup, were among a number of items during Pope Benedict XVI's four-day tour, the papal press office said.

Alcohol, barbecues, gazebos and even traditional candles are on the "do not bring" list, according to the pope's official visit website.

But the Telegraph reported that papal officials had given the green light to banners and flags, blankets to sit on the ground and torches instead of candles.

The site's "bring" list also recommends pilgrims bring a camera to capture their brush with the leader of the Catholic world.

More than 80 000 people are expected to turn up at London's Hyde Park for a prayer service on September 18 with the pope.

Another 65 000 are due to attend the beatification of English convert Cardinal John Henry Newman at Birmingham's Cofton Park, in central England, the following day.

The ceremony is the final step before official sainthood in the Catholic Church.

A spokesperson for the UK papal visit was quoted by the Telegraph as saying: "The banned items are standard concert arrangements.

"Musical instruments or anything that makes that (vuvuzela) noise would be included in this." Candles were banned for health and safety reasons, she added.

- News24